The Woman in Black at Alexandra Palace Review
Daniel Burke (The Actor) in The Woman in Black. Photo by Mark Douet
Written by Emily K-N for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The Woman in Black is noted as one of the most successful and longest-running pieces of theatre to play in London’s West End. For the remainder of 2025 and into Spring 2026, it has embarked on a UK tour, bringing the play to new audiences and fans alike. This October, it is running at Alexandra Palace Theatre in North London. This is a venue that has been restored whilst maintaining its derelict, historical character, making it a perfect setting for a ghost story.
Arthur Kipps has hired an actor to help him recount the haunting story of what happened to him when he was sent, as a young man, to settle the affairs of an old lady, Alice Drablow. The play begins with Kipps and the Actor on an old theatre stage. The Actor is criticising Kipps for the lack of energy in his delivery of the story, and after some debate, they agree to perform it together, with the Actor playing Mr Kipps and Kipps himself narrating and playing all the other characters.
This concept paves the way for the rest of the production, and the action flips between Kipps and the Actor rehearsing, and the story being told (presented like flashbacks). This is a little confusing at first, but soon signified through a change in lighting which enhances the concept. Lighting is very well utilised generally and adds to the chilling nature of the production, particularly during the more tense scenes.
The two actors are convincing in their roles. Daniel Burke has a good stage presence as the Actor and skilfully portrays Mr. Kipps in the re-enactments. John Mackay, as Mr. Kipps, switches between multiple roles in the re-enactments with ease and shows great range. When playing Mr. Kipps outside of the re-enactments, we can really see the character’s vulnerability and how he is still very much haunted by what he experienced all those years ago.
The pacing of the first act is a little slow, but this is made up for in the second act, where the production intensifies and reaches its climax. Whilst I didn’t jump out of my skin as much as I thought I would, there is enough suspense to keep you on edge and skilled acting to grab your attention.
At Alexandra Palace Theatre until 25th October and then various venues across the UK until 25th April 2026
★★★
